Clinical Nurse (RN) – Per Diem Level II | Post Partum/Mother-Baby | Day Shift

Howard University Hospital•Washington, DC

3d•$61 - $61•Onsite

About The Position

The Clinical Nurse – Per Diem (RN) is a Registered Nurse reporting to the Clinical Nursing Administrator and embedded in the Howard University Hospital Postpartum / Mother-Baby unit — part of a comprehensive Women and Infant Services program serving the Washington, DC metro area. Through collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, you will deliver safe, effective, patient- and family-centered care to postpartum patients and their newborns across the full spectrum of acuity. You will exemplify HUH’s CARES values, adhere to ANA standards of practice, and fulfill our nursing mission and vision.

Requirements

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) required; Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred
Graduate of an accredited school of nursing
Minimum three (3) years of bedside RN experience in a Postpartum / Mother-Baby setting
Current, active RN license in the District of Columbia
Current BLS certification through the American Heart Association (AHA) required
Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification through the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) required

Nice To Haves

Nationally recognized nursing certification in obstetric or neonatal nursing (e.g., RNC-MNN, RNC-OB) highly desirable

Responsibilities

Perform comprehensive maternal and neonatal assessments and develop individualized, evidence-based plans of care for postpartum couplets across the full spectrum of acuity, including vaginal and cesarean deliveries
Monitor and manage postpartum recovery including uterine involution, lochia, incision/perineal healing, vital signs, pain, and elimination; recognize and escalate deviations from expected recovery
Assess, manage, and educate patients on postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) risk, including fundal assessment, quantitative blood loss (QBL) monitoring, and hemorrhage bundle activation as indicated
Administer and monitor high-risk postpartum medications including magnesium sulfate, oxytocin, antihypertensives, and anticoagulants safely per protocol; recognize and respond to adverse effects
Perform newborn assessments including vital signs, weight, skin color, feeding cues, elimination, and gestational age indicators; recognize and escalate signs of newborn compromise
Provide skilled lactation support including latch assessment, positioning, milk expression, and coordination with lactation consultants; support both breastfeeding and formula-feeding families without bias
Screen for and respond to postpartum mood and anxiety disorders; apply appropriate escalation pathways and provide compassionate, trauma-informed support
Deliver comprehensive discharge education to patients and families on postpartum recovery, newborn care, safe sleep, infant feeding, circumcision care, contraception, and warning signs requiring follow-up
Recognize and escalate obstetric and neonatal emergencies including postpartum eclampsia, hypertensive urgency, maternal sepsis, neonatal respiratory distress, and hypoglycemia
Establish rapport with patients and families under high-stress conditions, providing emotional, psychological, and culturally responsive support throughout the postpartum experience
Document patient care, assessments, and outcomes accurately in the electronic health record; communicate irregularities and continuing care needs across nursing teams
Delegate tasks appropriately to non-licensed personnel and assistants
Adhere to infection control protocols, medication administration and storage procedures, and controlled substance regulations
Participate in unit performance improvement programs, and engage in education, engagement, and practice committees
Maintain and grow clinical knowledge through educational workshops, professional publications, and professional societies
Perform other duties as assigned consistent with the scope of this role